State Of Maharashtra vs Dnyaneshwar Laxman Rao Wankhede

The Supreme Court addressed an appeal by the State against a High Court judgment acquitting the respondent under Section 7(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Court emphasized that the prosecution must establish the demand and acceptance of bribe beyond reasonable doubt, and noted the importance of corroborative evidence, especially when key witnesses are unavailable or hostile. The Court ultimately upheld the High Court's acquittal, reinforcing the principle that mere suspicion is insufficient for conviction under the Act.